Day 5/6 - Monkey's Luck (PLUS PTD TIPS)

On April 10th, we had high hopes for the day.

We had tickets to two cupsleeve events in the Koreatown/Chinatown area of Las Vegas. The Uber driver dropped us off at the first one and the line was already around the building. I was a little disappointed when we finally got in. I don’t know what I expected but it was a Kpop store packed with people so it was hard to look at anything. We didn’t buy anything there instead decided to try our luck at the next one. We walked half of the mile and a half walk before stopping at a cute, cool, little coffee and dessert shop. It was a nice breather from the hot and windy weather. Continuing, all the walking began to catch up with me and my feet, although I wore comfortable Skechers, were starting to burn with each step. We arrived at the cupsleeve at Bambu Cafe. It was small but nice. I got a JK and a Jimin enamel pin. I opened an Easter egg and my prize was another enamel pin! We chatted with lots of armys. (I have to give a shout-out to briannawithluv, one of the vendors. She does amazing watercolor fanart.)

There was an amazing little Feng Shui shop near Bambu. While we were there we saw a video playing on the TV about the sign of the Monkey. It said that the Monkey’s luck would return. Sierra, being a Monkey, gave a big sigh of relief. We sure could've used a change in luck at that point. We knew all the outgoing Spirit flights had been canceled for Sunday.

Unfortunately, the bad luck continued.

We left and started walking further down the street to find a local restaurant. However, Sierra began experiencing, let’s say, severe stomach upset. We decided to go back to the hotel and would order delivery later. When the Uber dropped us off, she asked me to give her a few minutes' headstart to the room. So while I chatted with the check-in person, she run-walked down the hall. It probably wasn’t two minutes later when she reappeared almost in tears. The key wasn’t working. The clerk, Faith, reset it and she took off again. And came back again. The lock wasn't working. I pointed to the lobby bathrooms down the hall and as she walked that way, Faith had the maintenance man see if he could open it with his master key. He could not. Eventually, they had to call in the head maintenance man (who does not work weekends). Faith called management who allowed her to put us in another room until the lock was fixed. We finally got back into our room, ordered a pizza, and chilled out.

The next day, we had asked for a late check-out in the case our flight was canceled we could stay another day. We walked to IHOP and had a refreshingly smooth-going breakfast. Shortly afterwards, I got a message from Fever saying that we had made it off the waitlist and had tickets to the POP-UP.

YAY!

Since our flight wasn’t leaving until nearly midnight we decided to book a room at Circus Circus for the night. It was only $35 (plus just as much in fees) but it would give us a place to rest between the sightseeing activities we were finally going to be able to do.

We packed up and made it to Circus Circus around 1:00. We were caught at the door by one of those hotel package/timeshare people. I told her we had plans but she was insistent and Sierra is so polite. I just put my hand on her shoulder and said, “I’m sorry, we are going to be late.” We walked away. I’m pretty sure she was still talking.

Our Pop-Up tickets were for 2 pm. Turns out check-in is at 2 pm. Luckily the bell desk took our luggage to hold until we got back. We got an Uber and arrived at the PopUp about ten minutes early. I opened my phone on arrival and saw a message from Fever. POP-UP was canceled due to the high wind warning for the day! For the first time, I wanted to cry. But I thought since we were there maybe they would let us attend the Behind the Stage Event that was in the same area since we had tickets for it and had missed it. No, It was canceled as well. But the guy at the door said, “You are welcome to sit and enjoy the music.” They had BTS videos playing on a big screen in the patio area. (sigh)

We were able to walk around in the eclectic Area 15. I had wanted to visit the Omega Mart there but apparently so did all the other armys who could get into the Pop-Up. Long Line. Upon hearing that there was a dust storm alert, Sierra and I headed back to Circus Circus. In the check-in line, I tried to pull up my confirmation. The page was black/blank. We started snickering. I checked again and this time it came up. Check-in was a breeze but I couldn't find the luggage tag! It had dropped to the bottom of my bag. Finally, in the room with the luggage, I called the Bellagio Fountains. I knew it was a long shot but we really wanted to see the BTS fountain display. The lady was very sorry, but it was canceled due to the weather.

We hung out at Circus Circus. Walked the Midway, shopped some shops, watched a few minutes of a clown show, and ate some overpriced but delicious pizza.

By 9 pm, the flight was still a go, so we headed for the airport. After checking the bags, I got a text from Spirit. They were delaying the flight until 1 AM. The terminal was packed. The only store that was still open had been picked over and looked like it couldn’t keep drinks stocked. We each bought a semi-cool soda and went to sit in an empty spot on the floor near the wall. As Sierra read me her post from New Year’s day of the opening of the Year of the Tiger this year, she got to the part that said something about misfortune for Monkeys. At that moment, the fizz from the Coke I was opening spewed out and hit her in the face. OMG, I thought I was going to die laughing. Seriously, I bet people thought we were insane.

They didn’t cancel the flight but there was a delay as we had to wait for flight attendants. I think it was just before 1 AM when we left. The High Wind Warning was in effect until 3 AM. We could tell. The take-off was scary. Bumpy, turbulent, and a significant drop before settling into minor turbulence for most of the flight.

We finally made it home very tiredly.

BUT, It was all worth it. I can’t wait to do it again.

BTS! BTS! BTS!

Halmoni's PTD in Las Vegas Tips

DRINK LOTS OF WATER, STAY HYDRATED

WEAR SUNSCREEN and WEAR A HAT or use an UMBRELLA

Be prepared to walk a lot after the concert to the rideshare.

From Allegiant Stadium most people will head across the bridge. But what we did on the

second night worked great for us, we walked straight instead of turning right across the bridge. A lot of people did the same, stopping at In n’ Out burger, but that was also crowded. Instead we walked a little further to Raising Cane’s and had a snack and drink, before calling an Uber to the location. SO much easier. There are other fast food locations in the area, but only the drive-thru’s appeared to be open at most of them.

If you do sightseeing, I believe most hotels will hold luggage at the bell hop desk even if you are not a guest. There are also luggage storage services available throughout Las Vegas but it costs about $6 per bag. I didn't check into it further.

Even if you are a natural introvert (like me) try your best to engage other armys. We are all united by our love for those “7 normal boys from Korea.”

Don’t stress out. Even if everything else goes wrong, you will be one of the lucky armys to see BTS perform live. Enjoy it.

Please don’t forget I am sending a free photo print to new subscribers from now until May 18th. All new subscribers will be eligible to win a free personalized canvas tote bag! I love mine.